As previously promised, here are some images of my electronic junction box that sits beneath my tripod, and the data and power umbilical cables that run up each side of the mount.
I, like some of the great astro-imagers on the forum, must use a portable setup. This box contains a powered USB hub, USB-Serial converters and a 12V power supply. It receives all the data cables from the mount and distributes power to all of the equipment. I have managed to find at Jaycar 12V adapters for the USB hub and Laptop, so that I can run off 12V batteries if heading to remote sites (eg Leyburn). Usually, the 240V adapters for these devices run off a 240V powerboard that sits within the box. There is a junction box that all of the 12V cables plug into - this was done to allow one connection back to either a 12V power supply or deep cycle battery. The lid on the box can be closed when in operation so that dew is kept off the electronics.
The umbilical cables are wound in spiral wrap - the necessary connectors emerge from the spiral wrap at the appropriate points to plug into their devices, eg. mount computer, robofocus, cameras, dew heaters. The cables are attached to the tripod and mount with velcro strips - there is enough slack in the loops of the cables to swing the mount anywhere that one would reasonable want to image (>15-20 degrees above the horizon). Looking towards the pole, data runs on the right hand side of the mount and power runs on the left. I've put the ferrite RF chokes on all of the power cables from the outset - I'm not getting any interference, but haven't tried without them to see if it makes any difference.
The Robofocus controller and 12V distribution box are velcroed to the tripod to keep everything tidy.
There is one USB cable that runs from the box to the laptop which conveys all data to run imaging, guiding, mount & focusing. Thus far, it all seems to work happily together.
At the end of a session, the cables are rolled loosely up and stored in the box - there's plenty of room within the box to store extension leads, 12V adapters and miscellaneous bits. I estimate this saves 10-15mins in setup and pull down, versus individually rolling out and plugging in each cable.
Best of all, everything is together in one spot when it comes time to head off bush and do some imaging.
The is a comecial device too that allows you to route many of your devices through a single junction box and then have just one power cable and USB cabe to control everything...can't recall what it's called but I think it featured in an advert in a recent issue of AS&T..?
Top job and thanks for sharing what you've done David. I keep most of my junction boxes etc velcroed under the mount and leave the cabling attached whereever possible, and agree this saves at least 20mins every put up/pull down for those of us without observatories - really reduces the grunt work and makes it so much easier to get going. The benefits in terms of smoother tracking are often overlooked I suspect, particularly for those of us with cut price mounts.
I love the way you've addressed dew concerns, storage and lastly reduced the chance of leaving something behind when going offsite too
Nice job David, I need to do the same as i waste a lot of time finding all my bits and pieces which are stored in asorted box's. BTW what USB hub are you using? And how long is your cable run from the mount to your Laptop?
Mike do you still have the magazine, what is the name of this device? I am querious. sounds like a nice all in one solution.
Netwolf - the hub is a Belkin Powered USB hub. The cable run from the box to the laptop is 4 metres (purposely less than 5m to reduce the potential for signal drop out). The cables up to the cameras are 3 metres.
The boxes are advertised in the back of Sky & Telescope from time to time.
I haven't been able to find a multiple 12 volt power supply to supply say 5 outlets. That would help. The Proline has 2 power outlets and 2 extra USB ports which cleans things up. But the Microline does not.
Where did you get your power box or did you make it?
That looks like a well organised setup.
I was hoping to get a USB hub mounted onto the scope, so it could be fed with one power and one USB cable, but since USB hubs are generally so flimsy I think a system like yours would be a safer bet. Next time I'm in town I'll pick up a toolbox and stuff++
I've been working on this topic too, ultimately settling for a 6 port 12v USB hub that is mounted on my scope. This leaves only one 12v cable, one USB cable, and the guider cable coming off the scope.
Having the dew heater and other devices all mounted on the scope. Like you, I'll make my own power box from Jaycar, possibly using one of their 12v power boards for the base, as these are cheap, have a switch and accompanying fuse per line.
Its an interesting topic, especially for making setup and pull down easy as possible.
One other application for velcro for EQMOD users using wireless gamepads for scope steering - I've put a bit of velcro on my laptop lid and a bit on my USB wireless transmitter. Then if I want to leave the warm comfort of the dining room to head out with laptop to adjust me eFinder orientation or tweak alt/az adjustments realtime, I can take the laptop with me and only have to worry about keep an eye on the USB connection.
Keeps it up out of the dew too if outdoors.
